To get started, supplement with high-quality practitioner brand of probiotics. Choose a high strength product and one that contains the most strains of bacteria. The reason you don’t buy sub-standard probiotics is exactly the same reason why you don’t put sub-standard fuel in your car.

Fermented vegetables (dairy free and vegan)

Fermented vegetables are one of the easiest and most convenient sources of good bacteria. Fermented foods in general contain billions of beneficial microbes, which drive out pathogens and therefore protect gut integrity. In addition, the bacteria pre-digest the food for us, which means we have greater access to nutrients. There is actually 20 times more bioavailable vitamin C in sauerkraut than in fresh cabbage!

Fermented vegetables are also the most economical place to start.To make sauerkraut, finely shred one cabbage and transfer into a large bowl. Add one tablespoon of rock salt and use your hands to squeeze as much juice out of the cabbage as possible. If you’re patient, you should get enough liquid so that when transferred into an airtight container, it is completely covered. For large cabbages, you may like to split this process into two. Salt is essential to create the right environment (pH) for fermentation to take place.

From here, all you need to do it store your well-packed cabbage on the kitchen bench for 4-7 days. From there, transfer into the fridge and enjoy. You can actually use any vegetables you like (e.g carrots, beetroot, daikon, artichokes..), in any combination, and add any herbs and spices you desire. Serve 1-2 tablespoons on your eggs, in a salad, or as a side to any main meal.

Bone Broth (dairy free)

Bone broth is one of nature’s true superfoods. It is packed full of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus and provides gelatin and collagen for cell integrity and healing. While everyone will benefit from adding bone broth, it is absolutely essential for those with leaky gut, celiac disease, Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune conditions.

This mineral rich drink or stock is also one of the best ways to ensure your kitchen is wastage free. Simply save your meat bones or chicken carcass and cover in water, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, in a large pot. Bring to the boil on the stove before simmering for 24-48 hours. Allow to cool before straining and retain only the liquid yield.

Kefir (dairy free and vegan option)

Kefir is a probiotic drink made from “grains” (tibicos), which act like the starter culture in yogurt. Traditionally the grains are added to milk and fermented via the lactose, or milk sugar.

For dairy free and vegan options, both water kefir and coconut kefir can be made. To get started, buy your starter culture here and you will be provided with a full set of instructions. It’s really like a fun science experiment watching your grains come to life! For more recipes, please visit Kultured Wellness.

If you’re not quite ready to DIY, a fantastic brand is Peace, Love and Vegetables. Their coconut kefir is dairy free, sugar free, delicious and available in health food stores.

Kombucha (dairy free and vegan)

Our final gut health item is kombucha. It is made from a starter culture (known as a “scoby”), sugar and tea. When double fermented, it becomes a fruity fizzy drink and a great replacement for softdrink, as hard as it may be to believe.

To make your own, obtain a scoby from someone already brewing their own kombucha tea, purchase one from a reputable source or grow one from a bottle of raw (i.e. unpasteurized) kombucha tea. Cultures for Health is one of the best online resources and you can find out more here.

If you’re not ready to make your own, brands such as Remedy Kombucha will help.

How much do I need and how do I decide where to start?

Take one high-quality probiotic a day, just in case you don’t get any probiotic food or beverages in.

Make a batch of sauerkraut and you’ll see how easy it is. Adding 1-2 tablespoons to a main meal is easy.

Buy a roast chicken to add to your salads and preserve the carcass for bone broth, or simply ask your local butcher or farmers market for bones. They cost $2-$3 per bag!

Purchase a bottle of kefir and/or kombucha and see if you like the taste. When you’re ready to DIY, purchase your starter cultures online or reach out to your network for spare grains or a scoby.

Start small and choose which is most convenient for you. One to two serves per day is plenty to start. If any symptoms improve (e.g. digestive, skin mood), then you are on the right track. If not, gradually add a little more each week. If your symptoms worsen, use less. Trial and error is key.

Have fun with it. Focus on what you eat first and incorporate probiotic foods for optimal health, digestion and immunity.

*Sunlighten does not provide medical advice. We recommend you consult with a health care practitioner if you are unsure if using an infrared sauna is right for you. For best results, our saunas should be used in conjunction with an appropriate diet and exercise program. Individual results may vary.